Keeping cool in summer heat is a challenge for humans and animals

Keeping cool in summer heat is a challenge for humans and animals

Roxie the dog sits under a shaded awning at PALS on West Kettleman Lane on Friday, June 8, 2012. Providing shade to pets is one of the many ways you can prevent animals from suffering from dehydration or even heat stroke, according to numerous pet agencies.

If your dog or cat is outside on a hot day, make sure they have a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer because they can trap heat. You may want to fill a wading pool with fresh water for your dog or cat to cool off in.

Never leave your dog or cat in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. For dogs and cats, take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, as it can burn your dog's or cat's paws.

Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as bulldogs, boxers, Japanese chins and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. If you have dogs like a boxer or bulldog, keep them inside with air-conditioning.

Keep your bird's flight feathers trimmed. Escapes often occur during warm weather when doors and windows are opened more frequently. If you do not want to have your bird's feathers clipped, be sure your pet is safely inside its cage when doors are likely to be opened.

Keep ceiling fans off when flighted birds are at liberty inside your home.

Make sure window screens are in good repair. This will help keep your birds inside.

West Nile virus is active during the summer, and birds can be affected. Be sure to prevent standing water in your yard.

Take your bird outside safely in its carrier or travel cage.

Whether traveling or at home, be sure your bird can seek shade inside its cage or carrier to prevent overheating. Never place an acrylic carrier or cage in direct sun.

Remove fresh foods (eggs, fruit, vegetables, etc.) from your bird's cage after a few hours, as spoilage happens more quickly in the warm months.

As temperatures begin to rise in and around Lodi, staying cool becomes a priority for a lot of folks. Every summer, beating the heat is a challenge, even with spray bottles, ice-cold water and swimming pools.

But people are not the only ones who need cool water to drink or to swim in. Pets also need a way to stay cool as temperatures begin to jump in June.

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